VBF Fall Retreat 2008

admin October 17, 2008 @vabike

Join cycling advocates from throughout Virginia for a weekend advocacy retreat in rural Louisa County, to plan strategies to improve conditions for cyclists statewide. To encourage participation, VBF subsidizes this event. So you get a very low cost weekend getaway at Sophia House in beauriful Louisa County, including food, lodging, fellowship, and some great riding! All are welcome to attend, for the whole weekend or part.

Tentative topics for discussion

League of American Bicyclists evaluation of Virginia’s Bicycle friendliness, as per the new Bicycle Friendly State program
Federal Highway Transportation Program Reauthorization — trail and enhancement Programs
VBF strategy for the 2009 Virginia General Assembly session
The law and bicyclists

Invited speakers

Jake Helmboldt, VDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
League of American Bicyclists – Staff
Thunderhead Alliance – Staff
Michael Ashe, Virginia Beach bicyclists’ attorney

Tentative schedule

Friday

7:00pm ’til late — Round table discussions — share what’s happening in your community

Saturday

8:00am Breakfast
9:00 – 10:30 & 10:45 – 12:15 Group sessions / Guest speakers
12:15: Lunch & Keynote speaker (TBA)
1:30 – 3:00 Afternoon group session / Guest speaker
3:15 – 4:30: Bike Ride
5:30 Dinner and General Membership meeting

Evening: Work groups – work on issues identified earlier in the retreat
Late night – Kitchen politics

Sunday

8:00am Breakfast
9:00am VBF board meeting (all VBF members are invited)
1:00pm Adjournment, Lunch and Cleanup, optional bike ride

Cost

$20 for VBF members for the full weekend. Two representatives of
each VBF-member bicycle club may
also attend for only $20 each.

$40 for nonmembers and additional club representatives (includes a 1-yr
VBF individual membership for each
participant)

$10 for Saturday only – includes lunch and dinner

The weekend price includes overnight bunk bed dorm room accommodations with linens, and food for Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch.

Where

Sophia House is located between Richmond and Charlottesville. Directions and facilities information are posted at [http://www.sophiahouse.org].

Carpooling is encouraged. Make this a FUN weekend with friends!

Payment will be collected at the retreat, but please RSVP to Barbara Duerk by Nov 7, 2009 so we can purchase just the right about of food.

What to bring

Clothes for weather conditions
Bike and accessories for Saturday and/or Sunday riding (days are short, bring lights)
Alcoholic beverages of choice for discreet consumption
Favorite drink/juice/soda
Snacks to share–there are no vending machines or nearby stores
Materials for group discussions
Experiences to share
Passion for cycling and the willingness to make Virginia bicycling friendly!

Please share this with other cyclists in your community who are interesting in bicycling advocacy.

We look forward to seeing you!

RSVP

Barbara Duerk, VBF board member
540-343-1616 or barbgary@cox.net for additional information